Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV)

With support from volunteers and community leaders, Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) was founded in 1989 in response to the growing numbers of people living with HIV in Chicago, Evanston, and the surrounding communities. From the very beginning, we have helped people living with HIV/AIDS cope with medical and emotional crises, as well as provided support to their partners, spouses, family members, and friends. We are the only comprehensive HIV/AIDS service provider for the North Shore and one of only a few such agencies in the City of Chicago.

With the advent of life-prolonging medications during the 1990s, the focus of the agency expanded to include helping clients manage their medication regimens, return to work, expand their social networks, and lead healthy lives. We conduct individual, couples, and group mental health counseling to help people living with HIV/AIDS better deal with the issues of disclosure, depression and safer sex.

BEHIV provides case management services to residents of the Chicago neighborhoods of Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park, which have, respectively, the first, second, and sixth highest prevalence rates of AIDS in Illinois. We administer confidential and anonymous HIV tests (including pre- and post-test counseling) to over 1,700 individuals each year and our innovative and effective HIV educational outreach programs reach thousands of young people and adults each year at colleges, universities, high schools, community agencies, religious organizations, and local businesses throughout the North Shore and the entire City of Chicago. Additionally, BEHIV understands that “housing is health care” and provide housing assistance to over 150 individuals who would otherwise be homeless. BEHIV also provides alternative therapy services for our clients in the areas of art therapy and massage therapy—two proven means of alleviating the stress and physical strains of HIV/AIDS.

BEHIV remains a leader in Chicago and the suburbs in fighting the spread of HIV by conducting HIV testing and counseling, educating youth, reaching out to persons at risk for HIV and providing comprehensive services for people infected and affected by the virus.

For further information on BEHIV, please visit www.behiv.org or call 847-475-2115.